Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead. Just store it properly in an airtight container to maintain moisture. The flavors actually meld beautifully with a little time, enhancing the overall taste.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by adding one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for about five minutes before using.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just ensure it has a good binding agent or xanthan gum to mimic the texture.

Do I need to use culinary lavender?

Culinary lavender is essential for flavor in this cake. Regular lavender can be too strong and not safe for consumption, so it’s best to stick with culinary-grade.

How can I make my cake more moist?

To enhance moisture, ensure you soak the layers thoroughly with the milk mixture. You could also add an extra egg or increase the butter slightly for a richer texture.

Heavenly London Fog Cake with Earl Grey and Lavender Twist

Ingredients

dried Earl Grey tea
dried culinary lavender
all-purpose flour
fresh baking powder
baking soda
fine salt
unsalted butter at room temperature
granulated white sugar for creaming
large eggs at room temperature
vanilla bean paste for richer flavor
buttermilk
whole milk for soaking
sweetened condensed milk for soaking
cold cream cheese
powdered sugar to adjust sweetness
finely ground culinary lavender
optional vanilla extract
optional purple food coloring

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans.
Heat 1 cup of whole milk until just hot, then steep the Earl Grey tea for about 15 minutes.
Cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time.
Mix in vanilla bean paste and steeped milk, followed by buttermilk.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lavender in another bowl, then gradually add to wet ingredients.
Pour the batter into prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Prepare the soaking liquid by mixing whole milk and sweetened condensed milk.
Beat cold cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and lavender for the frosting.
Frost each layer of the cake and decorate as desired.

Notes

Use high-quality tea leaves for the best flavor. Allow cake layers to cool completely before soaking.

Author: robert-thompson
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 400
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg